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A Day in the West claims summer title
Written by Brian Bergner Jr.   
Friday, 26 August 2011 08:00

It wasn’t perfect, but it was as close as it gets for softball as A Day in the West won its 15th straight contest to claim the 2011 Sedona Summer Softball League championship Aug. 18, defeating Team Red Rock, 16-2.

A Day in the West poses for a team picture after winning the 2011 Sedona Summer Softball League championship Aug. 18.A Day in the West team captain Pedro Ortega Sr. capped off the stellar night of softball for the boys in red, chasing down the last out with a Willie Mays over-the-shoulder grab from his position at shortstop, ending Team Red Rock’s hopes for a comeback.

Pitcher Jason Bruce throws a pitch Aug. 11. Bruce gave up two runs on three hits in the  16-2 championship game win for A Day in the West on Aug. 18.“I saw the outfielder coming and had my arm extended and I just stuck my glove where his glove was and the ball popped in,” Ortega said shortly after the team was awarded the trophy.

The miracle grab summed up Team Red Rock’s night, as it scored only two runs, watching A Day in the West make play after play in the field.

A Day in the West starting pitcher Jason Bruce was outstanding, allowing three hits and two runs while walking one and striking out two. His defense behind him was solid as well, committing only two errors.

It is the second straight summer league championship for A Day in the West, which also claimed the Sedona Fall Softball League title in 2010.

Winning titles is nothing new for Ortega’s teams, having won more than his fair share on the softball field.

“The boys showed commitment and dedication, which is a good recipe to win championships,” Ortega said.

A Day in the West outscored its opponents 264 to 127 this season while going 14-1 overall. Team Red Rock finished the season 11-4 and was the only team to defeat A Day in the West this summer.

Team Red Rock was the No. 2 seed heading into the playoffs last week, and beat Rotary Club of Sedona Red Rocks in the semifinals, 14-7, to advance to the title game.

Final Standings

To view the 2011 Sedona Summer Softball League final standings and schedule, place your cursor over the "Sports" tab and click "Sports Schedules."

After No. 4 Sonny’s Bucket List handled The Mighty Ducks in round one, 16-6, No. 1 A Day in the West had no problems with Sonny’s Bucket List to advance, winning 18-8.

A Day in the West took a 10-0 lead after the first inning of play in the semifinals against Sonny’s Bucket List and never looked back.

Players and fans had hoped there would be a fall league this season. According to Recreation and Aquatics Supervisor Rachel Murdoch, however, due to lack of interest in previous years for fall softball, there will be no league. Murdoch did say the league can happen next year in the fall if interest is shown in the spring.

Last Updated on Thursday, 25 August 2011 12:57
 

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